The Many Faces Of Kappa

found in Kappabashi...

I had a post on Kappa and Kappabashi over at : The Golden Kappa. Do check it out too! ^^

 There's a sign on Kappabashi in Japanese and English to be found too. Read up, if you found them. :)

Making a Miami Getaway on Valentine's Day OLA

beachfront of our hotel, Newport Beachside Resort Hotel in Miami

For Christmas we were at Treasure Island on Tampa Bay Beaches so we decided to spend Valentine’s Day at the Newport Beachside Resort in Sunny Isles, Florida just north of South Beach and other Miami beaches. We have been to most major Florida cities, Orlando, St. Augustine, Ft. Myers, Tampa, and Key West, but we hadn’t had the chance to explore the Miami mystique. We wanted to discover what makes Miami the top travel destination it is.

the spa lounge

Newport Beachside Resort
Our brief getaway for Valentine’s 2012 proved to be a unique experience. Our hotel is right on the beach with a most charming view of the Atlantic Ocean. The palapas on the white sands below are even more inviting than the glistening blue pool and sizzling hot tub. But the best facility of the hotel is its exquisite spa with a strong seductive aroma. There are also a fitness center and salon, the 5-star Kitchen 305 and hearty breakfast buffet at the dining hall each morning.

preparations at the beach

South Beach

high-rise condos along the coast

But even if these facilities are top class we spent most of our time out in the bright winter sun. First we wanted to breathe the easy lifestyle of South Beach at the southernmost tip of the barrier islands off Miami. We drove through Collins Avenue with its famous high-rise condos and hotels on the beachfront and the specialty and tourist shops, chancing upon a huge exhibition of boats, ships, and yachts on the Marina. On Ocean Drive the sidewalk cafes were filled with happy people while meandering to the beaches were lots of scantily-clad beauties. And a beehive of preparation for the night’s festivities was on.

South Beach sidewalk cafes

Port of Miami

the freedom Tower across the Port

Next we drove through the MacArthur Causeway (southernmost of 5) that connected South Beach to downtown Miami, spotting the little islands (Hibiscus, Star, Jungle, etc.) that are home to Miami’s millionaires (others are on Millionaire’s Row of high-rise condos along Miami’s coastline). At Biscayne Boulevard that parallels Collins on the mainland, beside the Port of Miami, is the famous Bayside Marketplace but since we will be here when we go on our Cruise in two weeks, we postponed the shopping. We simply stood in awe of the Freedom Tower, symbol of the wave of Cuban immigration into the US from the tumultuous Cuban revolution.

colorful residential homes

Little Havana
So we spent Valentine’s Day in Little Havana, undoubtedly the best known neighborhood for Cuban exiles in the world, characterized by a robust street life, excellent restaurants, cultural activities, mom and pop enterprises, political passion, and great warmth amongst its residents.   About 20,000 households thrive in the many blocks around Calle Ocho (SW 8^th St.) from SW 11^th to 37th.  Bill loved his Cuban espresso and sweet potato pudding for afternoon snacks at Versailles. Then we sampled authentic Cuban goods (dominoes, roosters, hats, etc.) at Sentir Cubano whose mural proudly declares, Miami, the 7^th province! 

mural at Sentir Cubano declaring the city Cuba's 7th ptovince...

Casa Panza

@ Casa Panza's sidewalk bar table

Thus we decided to cancel our reservation at Kitchen 305 for our Valentine dinner and looked for a tapas y tintos (Spanish appetizers and wine) bar instead. On a sidewalk between intersections of SW 25^thand 26^th Avenues, in front of Casa Panza was a throng of people around a man who was making Valentines stuff with palm fronds.  It was nice to know that part of his earnings go to St. Gabriel Catholic Parish in West Palm Beach, Florida. Bill happily ordered three roses for the most unique, long-lasting, and for a good cause Valentines flowers! I was a happy girl!

our Valentine platter and my unique roses

So we perched ourselves at one of Casa Panza’s sidewalk bar tables and ordered the platter of jamon Serrano, chorizo Espanol, queso Manchego, and aceitunes with a glass of house wine. We watched the unique lifestyle unfold before our eyes: bikers plying to and fro on the sidewalk between the restaurant and us. At the next table was the friendly Rafael, a friend of Gloria Estefan who makes Hibiscus Island her home, waiting for his daughter who was studying flamenco nearby.

   

Haiti's fight for freedom

Little Haiti
Back at the hotel, we continued our celebration sipping champagne while watching Blue Valentine and being what the world expects from two lovebirds.. The next day, before we went back to our home at the campground, we made a quick visit to Little Haiti. It was a more depressed neighborhood around a smaller group of street blocks at the northeastern corner of Miami. But the murals were bolder and more colorful. One that depicted the history of Haiti, especially their fight to freedom in 1804 caught our eyes.

Star Island with millionaires' homes and boats

We certainly discovered that the Miami mystique is the sum total of hot Atlantic beaches in winter, the rich and famous from the high-rise condos and island mansions, the easy-going lifestyle, and the vicarious sharing of Cuban and Haitian spirits! But our romantic getaway had to end and we have returned to the humdrum of our cruising lifestyle, getting ready for the cruise to the Bahamas, a gift from my children Trisha, Claudine, and April! Watch for that next post!

Cover Story - Takamatsu

Manhole cover found in Takamatsu. I had Yokohama's manhole covers posted up earlier. More were posted in previous years too, and more coming up soon!

The no colour version

Colour version

The archer featured on these manhole cover Nasu no Yoichi of the Minamoto/Genji Clan during the Battle of Yashima. 

It's interesting what might motivate you to do research and learn history, no? In my case, the things I happened to step on made me learn more about Japanese history. Similarly, I started looking up on Korean history through watching "sageuks/사극" which is Korean for historical drama. The need to know the true historical facts of the era kinda making me "study" again. It's one thing watching a historical drama. It's another when someone is quite OCD about getting the facts right. xD

I Rescued a Hummel - TO MARKET

Yes I saved this cute little Hummel from eminent death.  

Here's what happened.  We were at a meeting and the hostess gave the guest speaker a gift for speaking to the group.  In the bag were 2 Hummels.  She then gave him a large mallet and towel.  The guest was told to go ahead and break them.


HUH?  I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open,  I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My father was born in Germany so our home, relatives and other German friends always had Hummels about.  Even my own home now has several of the precious little statuettes. So watching one being intentionally broken was more than I could understand. 


The guest refused to break the 2nd one and said whoever raises their hand first gets it.  Man, my arm shot up very fast, so I was given this Hummel named TO MARKET.  

There was a tiny little chip on the bottom but otherwise in fantastic condition.  I researched it and decided to start an auction on eBay at $19.86.  It sold for $20.36 with 25% going to American Heart Association.  I figured I nearly had a heart attack when the 1st one was broken so is it was only appropriate.  

An explanation was given why this person destroyed these very collectible children. I am thrilled to not only have saved it from it's demise but made a few bucks, donated some cash to a charity and passed it on to someone who will enjoy it. 

The seller got it and has left glowing feedback. So for this one little Hummel it gets to live another day!!  I hope in the future no more of these li

On The Run - Takamatsu (Day II)

After an interesting discourse over those blokes in Asakusa in my previous post, we are back to my running series post. What an anti-climax, eh? LOL

Do read my previous "On The Run" post too after finishing this. I had Yokohama, Yufuin and Takamatsu (Day I) posted up earlier.

I started my run on Day 2 in Takamatsu half an hour earlier than the day before because I wanted to do at least 10K that day. With such gung-ho spirit, I went out and decided it was too cold to run by the pier again so I decided to just hit the pavement beside Tamamo-koen and to avoid the strong wind I might feel if I run towards the lighthouse.

The pavement beside the park. Not too many runners on this pavement as opposed to the pier nearby. The day before, when I ran on the pier towards the beautiful glass lighthouse, there were plenty of runners about.For obvious reason - the view there was lovelier. And I saw the sun rise right before my eyes too. :)

A ferry jetty across the street from where I was running.

Made a few loops before the blister on my left heel started to bother me so I decided to cut short my run and ran back to our hotel. But ended up running towards the covered shopping street for a couple of kms before deciding to call it quits and walked back to the hotel. One thing good about running at the covered shopping street - it's warmer since there are no strong winds to make you cold but due my blister, I think I only managed a 6 or 7K run that morning. huhuhu

As I came back to our hotel room earlier than expected, it took Zaini awhile to open the door. I think I had to wait a full 5 minutes before he finally opened the door! I had thought he was in the bathroom but turned out he was so soundly asleep, he didn't hear me knocking the door.

Before you ask why I didn't bring an extra room key/ring the doorbell - we stayed at Toyoko Inn. Only 1 key is given and it's needed to switch on the light. And no doorbell at the rooms either. It's a budget hotel after all.

Later that morning, rather shamefacedly I have to confess that I did this when travelling in the train from Takamatsu to Okayama. I have no choice!

Remember this? This cute little blister that bugged me from Day 4 in Japan. （・∀・）

My feet was hurting and I need to put it up. Raimie didn't complain so I'm confident that my foot of mine didn't stink that day.

Anyway, the feet need to be put up for a while because if you remember, from  Takamatsu we went to Okayama, then made our way to Nara, made a short stop in Kyoto and then to Osaka before taking a midnight train up north. We were out and about from 10.00am till midnight!

Nambe Ware - Serving Pieces

First time I ever heard of Nambe Ware was when we moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in the early 1970's.  All along the Rio Grande (river) there are many small Indian (Native American) pueblos - Nambe being one of them.  Their reservation is in Pojaque just north of Santa Fe. 

The original studio was a small wooden building with the area to cast their pieces behind the building. The studio and showroom have moved to a more modern facility with additional showrooms in and around northern New Mexico including Albuquerque. 

Each piece is made of an alloy of over 35 metals,  sand cast and polished. They never tarnish like silver but are susceptible to acid. One advantage of these 'dishes' is that they can serve hot or cold foods. 

I was so happy to find some pieces to list on eBay

Called a butterfly dish for gravy, sauce, candy or nuts. #568

Long oblong tray / platter #511

Round candy or tidbit dish #556

Square plate for cake, cookies, sandwiches #555

They call it ovoid and it is a cute little dish perfect for nuts, candy or condiments.  #579

Smaller oblong tray / platter #510  

On our last trip to Albuquerque we visited their newest shop and I was amazed at all the new versions and pieces they have now.  Here is their website

I hope you enjoy browsing their site because all their items are so modern, elegant and sleek.  Then please visit my listings.

Chillaxin' at Peace River in Wauchula, Florida OLA

Carol, 63 & 115 lbs with Howard, 72, 108 lbs at his studio near his castle

Done with resolutions and the serious side of living! On with chillaxin’…chillin’ out and ...relaxin’…campin’ …at Peace River in Wauchula, Florida…

the Peace River in Wauchula...

The Peace River is a river in southwest Florida, 106 miles (171 km) long. U.S. Highway 17 runs near and somewhat parallel to the river for much of its course. It is a popular destination for fossil hunters who dig and sift the river gravel for shark teeth and other prehistoric mammal bones. A vital resource to the people in its watershed, today, it supplies six million gallons per day of drinking water to the people in the region.

the campground...

Our Thousand Trails campground on the Peace River was great for chillaxin’…until I found out that three alligators, the biggest being Stumpy at 9 feet, regularly kept us company. So I stayed mostly in the RV, watched a lot of TV, poured over tons of magazines borrowed from the library, cooked and baked, washed dishes and clothes, and did some writing, basically just keeping to myself and for once being hugely anti-social.

the gleaming Solomon's Castle

But once during this 2-week pause, we went on a sightseeing day trip arranged by the camp. In a caravan of about ten cars, first we all trooped to Solomon’s Castle in the city of Ona, Florida about 20 miles away. It is the home and galleries of internationally known artist and sculptor, 72 year old Howard Solomon, whose sense of humor and imagination soared through the grounds and echoed in our guide. The castle is big and shiny with a tower, stained glass windows and a moat. Built entirely by the hands of the artist, the gleaming exterior is made of the printing plates discarded by the local weekly newspaper.

the fish...that got away...

Within the castle are the family's living quarters, a stained glass studio, a main entrance hall, and the extensive galleries, exhibiting Solomon's "found object" sculptures from all kinds of recycled materials such as ‘The Fish who Got Away’, ‘Venus Updated’ who won the Nobel-ly Prize, and other hilarious thoughts and afterthoughts. There are more than 80 interpretations of stained glass windows. We were lucky to find Howard, all 108 pounds of him, at his workshop!

Boat in the Moat (that doesn't float)...

And just beside the castle is the 'Boat in the Moat' (which doesn’t float), a restaurant on the replica of a 60 foot 16th century Spanish galleon. There we had yummy pot roast and sweet apple crisp for lunch with new friends from Prince Edwards Island in Canada. They had seen the other side of the Castle and enjoyed the magnificent nature trails in the picturesque setting of Horse Creek on the castle grounds, beautifully designed by Peggy Solomon. This is truly one of Florida's most unique experiences. 

mounted 'airs above ground'

Then we all trooped to witness the beauty and grace of Herrmanns' Royal Lipizzan Stallions in Myakka City, Florida, also about 20 miles away. Founded in the 16th century for the exclusive use of the Hapsburg Royal family of Austria, the Royal Lipizzans are unquestionably the rarest, most aristocratic breed of horses in the world. The pride of the Hapsburg Empire, the breed was first established by Archduke Charles at Lipizza (now part of Yugoslavia). Born black, they turn into beautiful white stallions by their 7^th year.

the kick!

Only a few hundred have ever existed at any one time. The Lipizzans in Florida came from those saved by General George Patton from the Russian advance during World War II. The celebrated escape was the subject of the Walt Disney movie, "Miracle of the White Stallions". Colonel Herrmann and his father, Colonel Ottomar Herrmann, Sr., assisted General Patton and smuggled the horses out from far behind enemy lines, riding at night and hiding by day.

the bow.....

Colonel Hermann and subsequent generations have created an American renaissance of the rare horses and continues the tradition of the art in the family’s 200 acre ranch. All ‘Airs above the Ground’, originally outlined by Xenophon the Greek, derive from defensive horsemanship created for war and predated the birth of Christ by some 400 years. These spectacular leaps and plunges were originally meant for use by mounted riders to inspire terror in the hearts of foot soldiers.

the castle grounds...

Solomon’s Castle and the Hermann’s Lipizzans are both a sight to behold! I was fortunate to have been mercifully extricated that day from my voluntary cave to rejoin human kind. What other adventures are waiting for me in this last leg of our trek through North America? I have to stay awake now to not miss a thing and bravely rise from my splendid stupor!